Objectives

The overarching framework for development in Palau is provided by the country¿s National Master Development Plan. This plan specifies a goal for the future of substantially and sustainably enhancing the quality of life of Palauans by:

  • increasing real economic growth per capita on a sustained basis;
  • sharing the benefits of economic growth on an equitable basis;
  • enriching and enhancing confidence in the Palauan culture, raising national consciousness and protecting the natural environment.

A National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS) for Palau proposes environmental strategies under four general headings:

  • creating an enabling framework for environmental policy, planning, and management;
  • human resources management (including population management, pollution control, education and information, and management of cultural, archaeological, and historical resources);
  • sustainable natural resource management (including sustainable tourism, marine resource and agricultural development) and preservation of reserve areas;
  • environmental monitoring and reporting.

At present, there is no policy or strategy document that clearly translates the Master Development Plan and the Environmental Management Strategy into specific objectives for the forestry sector. The primary aims of the Forestry Department¿s programme are reforestation and afforestation for watershed management and improvement, as well as erosion mitigation. The Forestry Department is currently planting about 4 hectares of mainly mahogany seedlings each year.

last updated: Tuesday, November 24, 2009